Flats Fishing
Flats Fishing is one of the most exciting forms of sports fishing, the speed and fighting prowess of the super fast fish which inhabit the shallow flats of the worlds seas, oceans and estuaries makes any Flats Fishing adventure a truly memorable experience.
From the shallows of Florida to the sparkling tropic waters of Belize or the Maldives there are dozens of truly memorable places to spend your vacation time trying your hand at one of the world’s great sports fishing adventures.
Flats Fishing is affordable and available to fishermen of all ages and experience levels. Regardless of whether you are just a beginner or a highly experienced complete angler there is adventure to be had by all.
Flats are those shallow water areas found, often close inshore, in inlets, bays, estuaries, marshes and atop reefs and coral atolls next to deeper water. It is in these areas with bottoms which have sea-grass or other aquatic vegetation; providing food and cover for shrimp and crabs as well as juvenile fish; that you find the truly spectacular hunters of the seas.
Game fish such redfish, tarpon, bonefish, snook, bluefish, barracuda and shark amongst others, hunt these areas, waiting to feast for the crabs and baitfish fleeing the receding water on falling tides and then moving in again to feed as the tide rises flooding the shallow flats once again.
Observation of tidal patterns is important in discovering good flats for fishing. Choose an area of flats with shallow ditches or humps providing channels for the fish to congregate in and note carefully areas containing stumps, grass beds, reefs and other types of cover which will be attractive for sheltering fish. Flats which are about 9 feet deep or less are usually the most productive.
Light fishing gear is usually the equipment of choice for Flats Fishermen and fly gear or light spinning outfits are very popular. Fly rods of about 8 or 9 weight and spinning gear with 12 pound test maximum loaded is considered about right. Live bait is popular and small mullet or local baitfish work in most areas as do shrimp or crabs. Artificial Lures which are in tune with seasonal influences with regard to color and shape save on the fiddle of keeping live bait in good condition but can become expensive if the fish really hammer you.
Local Knowledge is vital if you are to be successful and safe.
Many of the flats dry completely and an unwary angler wandering too far from shore can strike real trouble getting back if caught unaware by a fast rising tide cutting them off from safety.
Proper footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses (sun glare off shallow water seems to burn the eyes incredibly) a raincoat (tropical storms can be drenching) and of course plenty of water to drink.
The sunny warm climate of most flats areas is particularly dehydrating and a day without lots of water to drink can soon turn into a nightmare.
Light colored clothing is also the go for most Flats Fishing expeditions since it is less likely to be visible to the fish and also is the best for reflecting the suns heat.